Sabbatikos

Yamashiro, a mountain palace perched high in the Hollywood Hills, is a dazzling fusion of Japanese elegance and Hollywood chic.

With its pagoda-style architecture, koi ponds, and sweeping views of Los Angeles, it’s a dining experience straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster. The atmosphere made me imagine the sword-wielding action of Uma Thurman in Kill Bill, and I hoped I’d get a katana to cut my sushi with.

While Kill Bill wasn’t filmed here, this iconic restaurant has seen its share of stars and cinematic moments including such films as:

Sayonara (1957) – This classic film starring Marlon Brando utilized Yamashiro’s intricate interiors to represent scenes set in Japan.

Blind Date (1987) – Yamashiro features prominently in this romantic comedy starring Kim Basinger and Bruce Willis.

Gone in 60 Seconds (2000) – This action-packed Nicolas Cage heist film features a scene where a character poses as a valet at Yamashiro to steal a car. Unless you Uber to the restaurant you’ll need to valet. There is no street parking atop this Hollywood hill.

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) – The restaurant’s traditional Japanese decor was used to create an authentic setting for this period drama.

Nocturnal Animals (2016) – The restaurant appears in a crucial final scene of this psychological thriller directed by Tom Ford.

No matter the film, or dinner reservation, every detail is meticulously crafted for maximum effect. The ambiance is a captivating blend of East meets West, complete with a garden courtyard that feels plucked from a samurai epic, illuminated by soft lantern light and the perpetual petals of a blossoming cherry tree.

The menu is like a well-curated movie soundtrack. It hits all the right notes and sets the mood for the scene, with its sushi, sashimi, and innovative fusion dishes that will keep us coming back again and again.

Whether you’re a cinephile or a foodie, Yamashiro offers an experience as thrilling and memorable as any Hollywood premier!